Newport Mayor Plans Oct. 13 Paddleboard Cruise

NEWPORT BEACH — Mayor Nancy Gardner has invite local paddleboarders, kayakers, canoeists and outrigger enthusiasts to join her as she paddles through Newport Harbor Oct. 13, starting at 9 a.m.

“I’ll be taking off with my paddleboard, and I hope some of you will join me,” Gardner said.

Gardner will leave China Cove Beach promptly at 9 a.m., paddle around Balboa Island, and eventually end up back at China Cove. Participants are welcome to travel the full 3.75-mile route with the mayor or may join in along the way.

“I’m sure your mother told you not to paddle with strangers, so I’ll be wearing a red floppy hat for identification,” she said.

The mayor estimated that she will pass Bayside Beach (near the Harbor Patrol docks) at approximately 9:10 to 9:15 a.m., the public pier on Little Balboa Island between 9:25 to 9:30 a.m. and the Balboa Island pier at about 9:45 to 9:50 a.m. as she loops back to China Cove.

The paddle cruise will last approximately 1.5 hours, and light refreshments will be served on the beach at China Cove when the group returns.

Participants must provide their own watercraft and safety equipment. Non-water enthusiasts are welcome to meet the mayor at China Cove beach for refreshments at the conclusion of the paddle.

The nearest major cross streets to China Cove are Ocean Drive and Fernleaf Avenue in Corona del Mar.